Toronto FC’s Derrick Etienne Jr. called up by Haiti for FIFA World Cup 2026

Toronto FC winger Derrick Etienne Jr. will represent Haiti on football’s biggest stage this summer.

The Haitian Football Federation officially named the 29-year-old to Haiti’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, marking a historic return to the tournament for Les Grenadiers after more than five decades away from the competition.

Haiti qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974 and will now face one of the toughest groups in the tournament. Drawn into Group C, the Caribbean nation is set to open its campaign against Scotland on June 13 before taking on Brazil on June 19 and Morocco on June 24.

For Etienne Jr., the call-up represents another major chapter in an international career that has stretched nearly a decade.

Etienne remains key piece for Haiti

Since making his senior debut for Haiti in November 2016 against French Guiana, Etienne Jr. has become one of the national team’s most experienced attacking players.

The Toronto FC forward has earned 46 international appearances while contributing eight goals and seven assists for Les Grenadiers across World Cup qualifying, Concacaf competitions and international friendlies.

He also played a role in helping Haiti secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, including the decisive qualifying victory over Nicaragua last November that officially booked the nation’s place in the tournament.

Before reaching the senior level, Etienne represented Haiti at youth competitions including the 2013 Concacaf U-17 Championship and the 2015 Concacaf U-20 Championship.

Haiti returns to the World Cup after 52 years

The upcoming tournament will mark only the second FIFA World Cup appearance in Haiti’s history.

Their lone previous participation came at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, making this summer’s return one of the biggest moments in Haitian football history.

Under head coach Sébastien Migné, Haiti arrives at the tournament looking to continue the rapid growth the national team has shown throughout recent years inside Concacaf competition.

The challenge, however, will be immense.

Brazil enters the tournament as one of the favorites, while Morocco continues to build on its historic semifinal run at the 2022 World Cup. Scotland also returns with one of its strongest squads in recent memory.

Toronto FC continues international representation

Etienne’s selection adds another international storyline to Toronto FC’s season as players across MLS begin departing for national team duty ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament.

The winger has provided valuable depth and experience for Toronto during the 2026 campaign, while continuing to maintain an important role with Haiti internationally.

Now, he will have the opportunity to represent Les Grenadiers at a World Cup hosted across Canada, the United States and Mexico — and help Haiti write a new chapter in its football history.